Throughout the decade the Low Boy was elevated to approximately 20” tall. The Low Boy allowed drummers to play syncopated rhythms around the kit or on cymbals as the left foot would be accented on beats two and four.īy the end of the 1920’s, the Low Boy had become known as the Hi-Hat. (Fidyk, 2009, paragraph 4) Before the Low Boy was introduced, early players would accent beats two and four by choking a suspended cymbal with their hand. Approximately 12’’ high the Low Boy was a foot controlled cymbal stand that allowed the player, via a clutch mechanism, to bring two cymbals together to create a ‘chick’ sound. With the 1920’s came the invention of the Low Boy. The following picture displays renowned Jazz Drummer Sonny Greer playing on an early 30’s Drum Kit that featured an assortment of drums, cymbals and timpanis appearing to be some sort of ‘contraption.’ 14) These set ups were known as trap sets, taken from the word ‘contraption,’ as some of them were literally quite astonishing and left many wondering what exactly the ‘contraption’ was. This small technological improvement now allows a seated drummer to play the bass, snare and many other drums and cymbals simultaneously.ĭrummers soon began to add other drums, cymbals, and other percussion related paraphernalia such as woodblocks, chimes, cowbells and tambourines. 13) The invention of the bass drum pedal paved the way for the impending development of the drum kit. As a result Ludwig created a foot pedal that allowed him to eliminate what was timely known as double drumming. Ludwig, a young entrepreneur and percussionist from Chicago, was frustrated with the fact that he couldn’t play ragtime beats proficiently due to the nature and positioning of drums and cymbals. 43)Īt the beginning of the 20 th Century drums and cymbals were available however, they were played individually, generally while standing. These changes were seen prominently in the southern states of America and affected many oppressed African Americans. Changes were extensive and have been catalysed significantly from the turn of the 20 th century due to social, economic and psychological ideologies that took place. Relatively unfamiliar until the earliest part of the 20 th century, the concept of the drum kit has progressed considerably from its primitive origins tracing back 30,000 years ago to what is available today. It wasn’t invented specifically for jazz, but the emphasis in which jazz focused on rhythm spearheaded its progression and development. (Funk, Fusion, Country, Pop, Rap, Soul and Metal) (Fidyk, 2009, paragraph 6) One instrument that is universally used in all the aforementioned genres is the drum kit. It is commonly understood by many that Jazz eventually digressed to some of the most prominent movements in popular music. (National Jazz Workshop) The early history of jazz is a complex, but well documented set of historical events that many have tried to understand. ‘Jazz,’ as the musical movement was known and distinguished by characteristics such as improvisation, syncopation and swung notes.
but more importantly, ‘ How The Drum Kit ‘Ensnared’ Jazz, ‘ and has gone on to become a staple instrument in contemporary music up until this very day. The who, what, when and where’s behind Jazz will be examined in conjunction with the birth and progression of The Drum Kit to come to a clear and concise verdict on not only how the sounds were created. In this dissertation key musicians and historical events will be examined to draw likely links between the two concepts. What is known however is that it developed around the time period Jazz did, in the early to mid 20 th Century. The history behind the two is as distorted and unclear as some sounds that have resultantly been created and little information is available surrounding the evolution of The Drum Kit. Making The Right Sounds : How The Drum Kit ‘Ensnared’ JazzĪn informed dissertation detailing how the progression of the Drum Kit tied in with Jazz’s development during the early to mid 20 th Century.Įarly 20 th Century gave birth to two significant musical concepts: The Drum Kit and Jazz.